This year’s theme for World Arthritis Day is, “Don’t Delay, Connect Today.” It’s important that we all get involved and assist in raising awareness for early diagnosis because it is key in preventing further damage caused by this disease.
World Arthritis Day takes place on Thursday, October 12 this year, let’s use this day to inspire our patients to take action and help educate those around them. Follow these tips to make this World Arthritis Day successful for the organization, your practice, and your patients.
Educate through communication.
Ensure patients and people at your practice understand the importance of early diagnosis. They need to know about the symptoms of arthritis, not only for themselves, but so they are able to spread the word to others. If not treated properly and quickly, arthritis can greatly impact the quality of one’s life.
Educate through social media.
Social media is extremely prevalent today, so use it to your advantage! Take a picture or video of your practice advocating for arthritis patients and post to the World Arthritis Day Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages with the hashtag #WADStory. Share and like World Arthritis Day’s posts through your practice’s social media pages.
Educate through sharing.
Share and discover important events through the World Arthritis Day events page. Publish the details of your event on the World Arthritis Day interactive and easy to use map. You can share anything from information about early diagnosis to local, community meetings. No event is too big or too small; let the community know about all the great work you are doing.
Connect with the arthritis community by encouraging your patients to share their stories as well. Not only does this help to raise awareness but it creates a strong bond. Sharing and experiencing personal trials and tribulations is a powerful way to offer support and encourage engagement.
Educate yourself and your practice.
World Arthritis Day offers a helpful toolkit which explains in detail how to get involved in promotional efforts. In the easy to download package you will receive an overview of the campaign, information on how to plan activities, tips for media activity, and brand new graphic design artwork for your practice’s use.
Educate your government.
Motivate your patients to write their representatives about the importance of special programs that support people who live with arthritis. Every state is different so some states may have many bills related to arthritis assistance while others only have one. Research your state and its bills, figure out what is needed to support your local arthritis community. Begin building relationships with your states elected officials and tell them your personal story. Visit www.arthritis.org/advocacy to track legislation in your state and find out how you can help
While we have made great strides in our work with arthritis patients, we still have a long road ahead. We hope these ideas inspire and encourage your practice and patients to be advocates and promote World Arthritis Day. If you have any other ideas, please share them on our Facebook page.
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